Customer Reviews
a cinematic joy to watch 
2008-06-30
I will not give plot details here.........if you enjoyed the first film, this sequel is even better. Excellent. Highly recommended.
Brilliant in scope, epic, not enough hype for this piece 2008-06-26
Both Elizabeth the Golden Age and Elizabeth on HD-DVD is a must have show off HD-DVD for your collection. Beautiful music, highly dramatic, and both movies really should be sold as a pair.
Enjoyed the war aspects of this one, not to overdone but it was missing the espionage/thrill of the first, again when combined together, you have one giant sweeping epic you will not tire of watching.
The epic of power! 
2008-06-23
Elizabeth The Virgin Queen, who bet her own happiness in pursuit of her people, and knew to move the pieces of her Army and navy with notable intelligence is carved in relief once more in this mesmerizing film who allows us once more to admire Cate Blanchet one of the top ten actress all over the world, in this gripping and colossal movie, told with impeccable sobriety thanks to a dynamic and fluid script.
With monumental stages and unforgettable landscapes, the film is not only a fest for your eyes but also an important reflection about political leadership in those hard times She was the decisive turning point who conveyed England to become the next Empire of the Western world, after the fall of Spain.
Recommended without reserves.
Well done Cate! 2008-06-20
There have been so many versions of Queen Elizabeth's life, but I believe this one will stand out. I loved Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh, and of course Cate was superb. A young queen is torn between her country and allowing herself to fall in love or be loved. Focusing on her country at a time when her throne and people need her undivided attention is an intense, bittersweet glance into another Era. When Elizabeth is tricked into allowing her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scotland, to be sentenced to death and beheaded, Elizabeth's spirit and ability to face and fight the mighty Armada of Spain are fully tested.
Chrissy K. McVay - Author
Same director? Really? 
2008-06-20
I adored the first Elizabeth. It was perfect in it's script and flawless in it's acting. After watching The Golden Age however, I was utterly distraught. I cannot believe that this is made by the same man who directed the first film. It just doesn't seem possible.
Everything from the script, to the editing to the actors that don't belong, it just doesn't work or flow. If there is one redeaming aspect of this film, it is the once again brilliant performance by Cate Blanchette. She can do no wrong. She is one of the most skilled actresses out there, anywhere. However, my gripe is actually with her character. She doesn't even seem to be the same Queen from the first Elizabeth. Granted, years have passed, but this Elizabeth comes off as weak and undecided, jittery even. It doesn't feel right. Abbie Cornish also feels very wrong as the Queen's favorite lady-in-waiting. She is very out of place, no matter the beautiful costume she is wearing.
Samantha Morton as Mary Stewart is UTTERLY wasted. They could have just cast some unknown, so small and barely noticable a part she played. One of my favorite actors, Geoffry Rush was shamefully placed in the background and barely had anything to do with this film. His character was a favorite of mine in the first film.
Clive Owen is pointless in this. His character feels neither here nor there. Wrong choice in actors, I guess.
The plot was also confusing, it jumped around way too much and you never really know how much time has passed. There is no mystery or intrigue. Nothing to captivate. The final and supposedly huge battle is a few boring minutes long and feels almost out of place.
The costumes and wigs are magnificent, as in the first film. Again, one of the only bright spots.
This is an extrememly dissapointing film that probably should not have been made. It seems very unnecessary. This is definitely one of the instances where a sequel is so much worse than the original.
Painful to watch 
2008-07-08
I hope the stars made a lot of money doing this turkey. Too much of nothing.
"She had a bad day, and she turned it around"...... 2008-07-04
I love this movie if not for anything else, the fantastic costumes, cinematogrphy and Cate Blanchett's performance. She looks brilliant as Queen Elizabeth and her acting is incredible. She's the best, along with Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts. This is a film that takes you on a journey like a time machine, and you are met by Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth. She captivates you with all of her flair and queeny nuances. The story is bizarre but then again so were those times of wine and roses, "let them eat cake" so they say. This is a film that showcases the old school diva. Elizabeth was the first diva, she is OG, she is gangsta.
Five Stars 2008-07-04
Not at all historically accurate but beautiful sets, beautiful clothing and wonderfully talent actors made this movie fun to watch.
If I were to scrape the icing off the cake of Elizabethan England 2008-07-01
this is the movie I would make.
The story is oddly vacant and not really accurate, but the visuals are stunning, and you can't help but enjoy the purity of Blanchett's performance.
I rather fear that too many people will take this "MTV" account of Elizabeth's life seriously, and that's a shame. It's a bit like reading the Spark Notes to the Golden Age of England, or watching the Mel Gibson version of "Hamlet." It's not BAD, but lord knows it's not accurate or deep. You're there for Mel in tights.
The same applies to Clive Owen. Edgy and divinely roguish in his role as Sir Walter Raleigh, he was certainly an eyeful of man candy. Again, his life was not entirely ACCURATE, but in a production such as this, I suppose that's neither here nor there: we are watching for ENTERTAINMENT.
If I really wanted ACCURACY, I'd watch the History Channel.
The costumes were beautifully done; the landscapes were gorgeous. Again, Blanchett MADE the movie worthy of attention, along with the cinematography and rich colors from artful contrasts and allusions.
I can't stop praising Blanchett's portrayal of Elizabeth. It is rich and complex, highlighting the solitude of a woman in power and trying to maintain her own against a male-dominated society and Houses. A society where her virginity is her biggest gambling chip against other countries. It was simply a brilliant portrayal!
I enjoyed this movie for what it was: "BASED" on the life of Elizabeth I. As we all know, that gives them license to "elaborate." (Although, they just... well... snipped the tip of that time period.)
If you want accuracy, go elsewhere. For a bit of fantasy and simply breathtaking scenes, give this a go.
Elizabeth - The Golden Age 2008-06-30
What a great movie. Enjoyment to watch. Action packed and great acting. Didn't want it to end.
